April 20, 2005 Meeting Minutes  

I.       The meeting was Called to Order at 7:36 p.m. by Chairperson Steve McCooey.  Those in attendance included Joe Bleczenski, Pat Mannix, and Pat Zito.  District Manager Frank Murray, Tax Collector Helen Patience, Harbormaster Mike Tortolani and Clerk Catherine Kelleher were also present. 

 II.    Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the Assembly.  The Council and assembly observed a prayerful moment of silence for the men and women who are serving in the Armed Forces, in harm’s way, in Afghanistan and Iraq and, in particular, for those serving from our own state and community. 

III. Urgent Business

A.     The dumpster schedule for 2005 is as follows:

·        May 14^th and 28^th

·        June 4^th, 11^th, 18^th and 25^th

·        July 9^th and 23^rd

·        August 6^th and 20^th

·        September 3^rd and 17^th

·        October 15^th

·        November 12^th

B.      The dumpster will be located to the left of the Bonnet Shores Community Center from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and it will be for grass clippings and brush only. 

C.     Pat Zito asked if it would be possible to schedule an April date for the dumpster.  Pat Mannix responded that the dumpster would be at the Community Center on Earth Day.  It was suggested that, in the future, residents be informed of the Earth Day availability of the dumpster. 

B.     Pat Zito motioned to accept the 2005 dumpster schedule as presented.  The motion was seconded by Steve McCooey and approved by all Council members in attendance.   

 IV.  Period of Public Comment

A.     Doris Baris reported that her neighbor informed her that someone on the corner of Allagash and Bonnet Point Road was seen throwing yard waste into the pond.  Pat Zito stated that she had also seen that trash was dumped in that same area of the pond a few months ago. Steve McCooey asked Frank Murray to contact the homeowner and advise them of this report and remind them that dumping is prohibited. 

B.     Jim Donnelly introduced himself as the attorney representing Bonnet Shores resident, Mrs. Zambeillo, regarding variances that the Holtens are trying to get at this time for a gazebo boathouse. 

C.     Norma Mann expressed concern that the Holtens were trying to get variances for several things, including a very large structure approximately 20 feet from the shore.  This structure reportedly will block a lot of view for other area residents and it will be interfering with some of the wildlife.  Mrs. Mann indicated that the Holtens were also planning to replace the fence which was involved in the dispute with the Fire District in 1995. 

D.    Toni Moretti asked why the boat fee was changed without every boat owner being notified.  Mike Tortolani responded that the fees were discussed at the Harbor meetings and no one opposed changing the fee to a flat fee for all boats.  He also stated that Joe Thomas informed the Council of the Harbor Committee meeting recommendations and the changes were approved by the Council.  Steve McCooey stated that the fees were set for this season, but he suggested that Mr. Moretti attend the Harbor Committee meetings in the Fall of 2005 and express his objections at that time. 

E.     Bill DelGizzo asked for the Council’s decision regarding his riparian rights as a waterfront property owner.  Steve McCooey responded that, since the monthly Fire District Council meeting in March, he has had two conversations with Attorney Kerry Rafanelli.  He also stated that he received a document from Mr. Rafanelli on April 19, 2005 containing his legal opinion on Dr. DelGizzo’s request.  Each Council member was given a copy of the opinion.  Mr. McCooey requested scheduling a meeting in 2 weeks with Attorney Rafanelli to review the opinion and to answer any questions that might arise. 

F.      Steve Patience asked Mike Tortolani if he had a list of all waterfront property owners who might possibly want a mooring.  Mr. Tortolani responded that there were approximately seven property owners.  Mr. Patience suggested that all waterfront property owners, as well as all those on the mooring list, be notified of this action.  Steve McCooey indicated that it was not the responsibility of the Council to make that notification. 

G.    Pat Zito motioned to table this discussion until May 4, 2005 at the 7:45 p.m. meeting when it can be discussed with Kerry Rafanelli.  That motion was seconded by Joe Bleczenski and approved by all Council members in attendance. 

H.    Steve McCooey stated that a public hearing for the budget would be held on May 4, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. , followed by a discussion on riparian rights at 7:45 p.m.

V.      Ratification of Minutes

Pat Zito motioned to approve the minutes of the March, 2005 meeting with a minor revision.  The motion was seconded and approved by all Council members in attendance.  The March minutes were revised as indicated. 

VI.  Committee Reports

A.     Beautification

1.      Pat Zito reported that the triangle on Camden Road has been cleared of all weeds. 

2.      All Council members were given a flyer regarding the annual Narragansett/URI Spring clean-up scheduled for April 23, 2005 . 

3.      In response to a question by Doris Baris, Pat Zito said the cost for clearing the triangle was approximately $500. 

              B.     Harbor

1.      Joe Bleczenski reported that Mike Tortolani would be soliciting volunteers to bring the catwalk down to Little Beach and to place the dock in the water. 

2.      Chaffing guards have been purchased for the poles on the ramp at a cost of $400.00.  This was done at the recommendation of Richard at Rhode Island Mooring.

VII.           Treasurer’s Report

Steve McCooey reported that the budget hearing was held and that Natalie McDonald will prepare the updated budget for the Public Hearing on May 4, 2005 . 

VIII.          Tax Collector’s Report

A.     See attached report on the website.

B.     2004-05 tax information is as follows:

·        Total assessed value - $343,218,100.00

·        Total taxes - $223,095.61

·        Total abated taxes - $3,825.01

·        Total collectible taxes - $219,270.60

·        Taxes collected to date - $213,667.27

·        Percentage collected to date – 97%

·        Interest collected to date - $536.52

·        Returned check fee - $75.00

C.     Prior years tax information is as follow:

·        Total taxes due - $4,796.00

·        Total taxes collected - $2,264.41

·        Interest collected - $197.69

D.    Mrs. Patience will email the webmaster and request a reminder to pay the Bonnet Shores Dire District taxes be placed on the website.  

IX.  District Manager’s Report

A.     Frank Murray reported that April 23, 2005 is Earth Day.

B.     The Community Center is rented for several dates in June.

C.     Inquiries have been sent out to lifeguards.  2 responses have been received from lifeguards who would like to return this summer. 

D.    A lot of inquiries have been received about the summer day camp.

E.     At Pat Zito’s request, Mr. Murray will send out letters to last year’s camp staff inquiring about their interest in returning this summer. 

F.      Four letters have been sent to residents whose property encroaches on Fire District property.  One response has already been received from Mrs. Johnson on Col. John Gardner Road .

G.    Pat Zito expressed concern about a property that has allegedly been dumping into the easement.  She will indicate the property and ask Mr. Murray to address the issue. 

H.    Doris Baris suggested that the Council call Robert Winwood to survey the property.  Mr. Murray was asked to contact Mr. Winwood for an estimate.

I.       The Town send out letters to the 2 residents who had storage units on their property.

X.     Land Trust

A.     No report. 

XI.  Old Business

            A.     Capital Projects

1.      The Fire District has a dock. 

2.      Mrs. Reid is working on the footbridge.  Once approval for the footbridge is received from Coastal, a design meeting will be held.  Pat Mannix suggested using the old dock as the footbridge, but replacing the handrails. 

3.      Poles on the basketball court were replaced and concrete and asphalt was applied to the surface.  The court will be painted in 2 weeks.

4.      Mrs. Reid stated that she was very concerned about the maintenance of the culverts.  She indicated that they must be kept clear in order to prevent the footbridge from being flooded. 

5.      Steve McCooey reported that the Council met to discuss expansion of the Community Center.  Bruce Fournier formulated a letter which was distributed to all Council members.  It was suggested that the letter be placed in the newsletter.  This project will be presented at the Annual Meeting. 

B.     Pat Zito stated that she has heard complaints from renters about the condition of the Community Center, in addition to renters who do not want to clean the center.  She stated that renters pay enough to rent the center and that it should be professionally cleaned.  Steve McCooey asked that Frank Murray get some estimates from cleaning companies to clean the Community Center restrooms.   

C.     Joe Bleczenski inquired when the backhoe would be moving the rocks at Kelly Beach so that the bike rack can be repositioned and additional racks installed.  Mr. Murray indicated that that project would be done the next time the backhoe arrives to dig the causeway. 

D.    Steve McCooey suggested that Mr. Murray call Tom Hynes to inquire if he has the necessary equipment to move the rocks on Earth Day when volunteers are available to assist with the repositioning and installation of the bike racks.

E.     Joe Bleczenski motioned to postpone the consultation of another attorney with expertise in maritime and riparian rights until after the Council has had an opportunity to review the findings and opinion of the Fire District attorney.  The motion was seconded by Pat Zito and approved by all Council members in attendance.  

XII.           New Business

A.     Steve McCooey reported that the Bonnet Shores Fire District sign displayed on the Community Center lawn was broken.  He will attempt to repair it. 

B.     Doris Baris asked the Council to consider compensating Treasurer Natalie McDonald for reviewing the financial situation of the Fire District.  She reported that $1,750.00 was allocated in the budget for a review. 

C.     The Council members in attendance agreed that Natalie had done a wonderful job, but they agreed that the $1,750 was allocated to have someone outside of the Fire District audit the books. 

D.    Pat Mannix motioned that the Fire District Council appoint Bruce Fournier and Hope Marsella as Council representatives for the Nominating Committee. The motion was seconded and approved by all Council members in attendance. 

E.     Helen Patience expressed concern that “college kids” were allegedly driving their cars on the field.  Steve McCooey asked Frank Murray to contact Tom Hynes to place some rocks across the opening. 

F.      Pat Zito reminded the Assembly that this was Greek Week and more vehicles have been seen in Bonnet Shores . 

G.    Pat Mannix reported that Waste Management will deliver the dumpster, which they are donating for Earth Day, on April 22, 2005 .  It will be retrieved on April 25^th in the early morning.  DEM will provide the tipping fees for Waste Management. 

H.    Earth Day rain date is April 24, 2005 . 

XIII.        Council Comment

None.

 XIV.        Executive Sessions

            None.

 XV.           Adjournment

A.     Pat Mannix motioned to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was seconded by Joe Bleczenski.

B.     The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

 Catherine M. Kelleher